Thursday, January 25, 2007

I have started my residency at Liverpool artist Jo Derbyshire's 'Loft Space' project in Liverpool. This exciting venture was conceived by Derbyshire as she converted the loft space in her home into her studio. Whilst Derbyshire renovates the property in Elswick Street, she has turned the renovated loft/studio into a gallery space with exhibitions running until March 2007. The timetable for the exhibitions follows:

28 January 2007 - 3 February 2007 On The Waterfront by Irene McLoughlin.04 February 2007 - 10 February 2007 Poetry Installation by Andrew Taylor.11February 2007 - 17 February 2007 Pastel Series by Peter Worthington.18 February 2007 - 24 February 2007 The Place where we live -Andrew Hodge and June Rose H.25 February 2007 - 03 March 2007 Jazamin Sinclair and Karen Henley.4 March 2007 - 10 March 2007 City, Regeneration, Redevelopment and Waste, ACEO's.11March 2007- 18 March 2007 Nietzsche's Urbanised Icon by Gaynor Evelyn Sweeney and Tony Knox.25 March 2007 - 31 March 2007 Book Launch Preview.

I will be exhibiting poems that were written during two previous residencies I undertook at Liverpool Architecture and Design Trust and Liverpool Cathedral.

It is my intention to visit the Elswick Street property and space regularly throughout its duration as the Loft Space and react to it and the exhibitions by writing poetry. A publication will gather the work that is produced during the residency.To visit 'The Loft Space' contact Jo Derbyshire direct via email: aprilskies1204@aol.com or telephone: 07946353251.I may post works in progress on this blog.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

I have just had four poems published in the new magazine The Binturong Review. The magazine is up to its fourth issue and is seeking new submissions. The magazine is stocked at News from Nowhere, Bold Street, Liverpool and negotiations are in place for further stockists in the north-west. Submit work to renewbinturong@yahoo.co.ukThis magazine deserves your support.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

As you can see from the list of bands I have seen since Echo and the Bunnymen at Liverpool Empire on April 26th 1981, I have visited many a venue and city in the pursuit of entertainment. Another such visit happened on Monday evening. Manchester, so-called rival to our own fair city, was the location for Joanna Newsom at the Bridgewater Hall. I have been to the Bridgewater Hall twice before, to see Durutti Column and Crosby and Nash, but Monday's visit was SO good I had to write something about it here. Now, I read Mojo and Uncut magazines monthly and a startling review brought my attention to Ms. Newsom's latest recording Ys (Drag City records). I facilitated a listen and then bought not one but three copies of the album as Christmas presents. What else pricked up my ears was the news that Steve Albini engineered the album and Van Dyke Parks had arranged the strings and co-produced the recording with Ms Newsom. I consider the album the best album of 2006.But, I digress. The concert on Monday ranks as one of my top five of all time, (along with Pink Floyd 1994 and The Smiths, New Order and the Fall (same bill)1986). As soon as Newsom arrived on stage I was transfixed. 'Emily' from the new recording is over 10 mins long and as Newsom raised her hands to prepare for playing her harp and the conductor of the Northern Sinfonia raised his baton, the capacity crowd were equally transfixed. My companion, who disliked the Ys recording because of Ms Newsom's voice, regarded her as a 'genius' and has since changed his mind (as I suspected) of the album.Sometimes words are inadequate. On this subject they are. Joanna Newsom is indeed, a genius.

Monday, January 08, 2007

There has been a few enquiries regarding the bands I have seen over the years. Following on from Jonny's Gig List here is a list of the bands I have seen since my first: Echo and the Bunnymen and The Blue Orchids at Liverpool Empire April 26th 1981:-

Thursday, January 04, 2007

I have been approached to be poet-in-residence at a new gallery project in Liverpool. The Loft Space is the brainchild of Liverpool artist Jo Derbyshire. The following link will provide more information on the whole project.http://www.artinliverpool.com/blogarch/2007/01/the_loft_space.htmlI plan to publish the poems written during this residency on this blog.